2008-2009 Regional Rail Funding Initiative

FWTAexas Local Option Transportation Act (TLOTA), formerly known as Rail North Texas, is the regional transportation initiative to identify funding for many miles of passenger rail and numerous other roadway projects to meet residents’ transportation needs as well as the region’s air quality goals. Involvement and support of local elected officials, business leaders and the public is important to refining, funding and implementation for this regional transportation initiative.

Prior to TLOTA, several other initiatives sought to identify funding for regional rail. A timeline and background information outline other studies and work which preceded TLOTA in the multi-year effort to expand passenger rail.

TLOTA was introduced during the 81st Texas Legislature.

Bills filed in both houses of the Legislature provided additional funding options for the transportation system. The most important bill was SB 855. Senator John Carona introduced SB 855 and Representative Vickie Truitt introduced a similar bill in the House.